Holidaymakers flying to Turkey could face a £60 fine if they stand before their plane reaches the terminal, under new rules introduced by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority.
The regulation aims to curb the common practice of passengers unbuckling seat belts and rushing for overhead lockers before the aircraft has come to a complete stop—often to beat queues at passport control.
The updated guidance, reported by The Times, requires all passengers to remain seated, even after the seatbelt signs are switched off, until it is their turn to disembark.
A discussion on Reddit revealed some fliers stand early to stretch their legs or prepare to leave quickly, though others find the behavior disruptive, as it blocks the aisle and access to hand luggage.
In a statement, Turkey’s CAA said airlines must remind passengers to remain seated after landing and warn that violations will be reported and fined.
Tour operator On The Beach says Turkey has overtaken Spain as the top destination for British tourists. The country is also popular for medical tourism, particularly for cosmetic procedures and hair transplants.
Turkish Airlines, the nation’s flag carrier, currently flies to more countries than any other airline, serving 322 destinations worldwide.